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We have an amazing opportunity to make London's bus rapid transit system the best possible BRT. We can become the first city in North America to electrify a bus rapid transit network from the very first day of operation.

By using electric buses, we can lower energy costs, reduce emissions and make our air cleaner. That benefits all Londoners.

And for transit riders, the smooth acceleration of an electric bus, along with the quiet operation of an electric motor, will make the ride much more like a light rail vehicle than a diesel bus. That improvement in the quality of transit service will help us achieve our ridership targets.

With an electric bus fleet operating in dedicated rapid transit lanes, we can combine the low capital costs of buses with the lower operational costs and environmental benefits of electric power.

Sign the Petition

If you would like to see City Council electrify BRT, please add your name to this petition. Spread the word on social media and in conversation with friends, family and colleagues.

Key Benefits of Electrifying BRT

On 5 July 2018, the rapid transit implementation working group heard a presentation from Dr Josipa Petrunic, executive director of CUTRIC, the Canadian Urban Transit Research Consortium, about detailed modelling that her organization has done for the electrification of London's BRT routes.

The CUTRIC modelling shows:

Annual energy cost savings of ~$862,564.

Annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) of 4,823 tonnes. That's an additional 100,000+ tonnes over the planning horizon of the project!

Buses would only need to charge between 3 and 4 minutes at the end of their routes.

Four overhead charging stations would be needed: one each at North, East, South and West ends of the routes.

The CUTRIC modelling was done using dedicated lanes and the specific topography of the planned routes. Running electric buses in mixed traffic would reduce the annual energy cost savings and increase the amount of time needed to charge at the end-of-route. So, in addition to being less reliable for transit riders, running electric buses in mixed traffic rather than dedicated lanes would also be more expensive from an operational perspective.

In addition to these direct benefits of electrification, the reduction in diesel emissions would also improve local air quality, but this was not part of the CUTRIC modelling.

City Hall Fat Cat ‘Lifers’ have had a timid, po’dunk vision for the Forest City for the past 20 years. Light rail rapid transit brought forward a few years made the most sense. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. At least we have this. It’s even ALL-electric! How much more futuristic do you want??? Those with a Sleepy Hollow mentality will be voted out by young adults like ME.

Adrienne Borrie followed this page
2018-09-17 21:59:04 -0400

Meghan O'Hara signed
2018-09-17 16:45:18 -0400

Jarad Fisher signed
2018-09-17 16:39:11 -0400

Hamish Brailey signed
2018-09-17 16:36:16 -0400

Alex Jones-Chick signed
2018-09-17 16:27:21 -0400

We need BRT! Don’t give up the fight for it!

Glenda Clooney signed
2018-09-17 11:31:16 -0400

Something has to be done about the transit system, no question. And while the costs might be more than first anticipated why not go the electrified means. We would be ahead of the game so to speak and not have do it later down the road. Plus we would be not just saving money in the long run, we would be saving the air we breath. We are destroying this earth and if there is one way in which we could save the earth then why not.

Vinod Varapravan signed
2018-09-17 10:41:17 -0400

Fran Barnett signed
2018-09-17 09:51:28 -0400

Joy Cameron signed
2018-09-17 09:29:20 -0400

Kelsey Taylor signed
2018-09-17 09:26:24 -0400

Sam Chard signed
2018-09-17 07:27:59 -0400

Josh Winters signed
2018-09-17 02:28:41 -0400

Ben Fraraccio signed
2018-09-16 23:23:58 -0400

Chris McNorgan signed
2018-09-16 22:49:34 -0400

Gino Nicodemo signed
2018-09-16 22:16:09 -0400

If not completely electrified, then at least an electric trolley system.